Gmail allows you to reply by chat instead of by email.

The cool thing about Gmail, comparatively, is that it keeps introducing new features that are at times really handy. “Reply by Chat” is another neat feature that you’ll find it handy if you use Gmail’s web based interface.

The best part is, you don’t have to do anything. Just watch for a link towards the bottom of the email that says “Reply by chat…“. You’ll only see the link if the person who’ve sent you the email is online at that time.

When clicked Gmail will open up a regular chat window but will appropriately place the email subject on the chat window to give it some perspective.

Personally I find it useful to have a direct conversation rather than to email back and forth. And “Reply by chat” certainly makes it more useful. What are your thoughts?

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Google, Gmail, Google Chat